Dity › A basic DIY toolkit for beginners
A basic DIY toolkit for beginners
You do not need a garage full of kit to start. A small set of decent hand tools, plus a few safety items, covers most household repairs.
The core set
- Claw hammer: for nails, and for removing them.
- Screwdrivers: a set of flat-head and cross-head (Phillips or Pozidriv) in several sizes. Many fittings use Pozidriv, so a mixed set helps.
- Adjustable spanner: for taps, pipe fittings and nuts.
- Pliers: combination pliers and long-nose pliers.
- Tape measure: a 5 metre one is enough for most rooms.
- Spirit level: a 600 mm level suits shelves and pictures.
- Utility knife: with spare blades, handled carefully.
- Hand saw: a general-purpose tenon or panel saw.
- Filling knife and scraper: for filling holes.
Power tools: one is enough to begin with
A cordless combi drill with a hammer-action setting is the most useful power tool. It drives screws, drills wood and metal, and with a masonry bit it can drill brick. Buy a mixed set of drill bits, including wood, metal and masonry bits. A basic set is fine for most beginners.
Detectors and testers
- Stud, cable and pipe detector: see hanging shelves safely.
- Non-contact voltage tester: an electrician's pen that beeps near live cables. Useful as a warning, but never as your only proof that power is off.
- Torch or head torch: essential when the power is off.
Plumbing extras
- Radiator key (bleeding radiators)
- Sink plunger (unblocking sinks)
- PTFE tape and a few spare tap washers
- A bucket and old towels
Safety kit
- Safety glasses
- Dust masks (FFP2 or FFP3 for sanding and dusty work; check the pack)
- Work gloves and rubber gloves
- Ear defenders if you use loud tools
- A basic first-aid kit
What can wait
Skip the big power-tool sets, tile cutters, wallpaper steamers and specialist plumbing tools until you actually need them. Borrow or rent for one-off jobs. Many councils and local community groups run tool libraries, which let you borrow tools for a small fee or free; check if there is one near you.
Buying tips
- Choose mid-range tools: the cheapest often fail quickly, but the most expensive are for daily use.
- A tool bag or box keeps everything in one place, so you can find the stopcock key or torch in an emergency.
- Label your consumer unit and keep a note of the stopcock location with your tools.
Back to the Dity home page to pick your first job. Before you start any electrical work, read the rules.
Looking after your tools
Wipe tools clean and dry, keep blades and drill bits sharp or replace them, and recharge cordless batteries as the maker advises. Store tools off damp floors to prevent rust, and keep sharp items out of reach of children. Label the toolbox with a note of the stopcock location, the consumer unit and your boiler model. Add items as jobs arise: a stepladder, a set of Allen keys, a pipe wrench and an inspection torch are common next purchases.
Keep the receipts for larger tools in case they fail under warranty.
Frequently asked questions
What is the first tool a beginner should buy?
A decent set of screwdrivers, a tape measure and a spirit level cover many small jobs. After that, a cordless drill.
Do I need a non-contact voltage tester?
It is a helpful warning device, but never rely on it alone. Switch off at the consumer unit and, for any wiring work, use a proper proving unit or hire an electrician.
Can I borrow tools instead of buying?
Often, yes. Some areas have tool libraries and tool hire shops for one-off jobs.